Autonomous vehicles, or Avs, as they’re often called, rely on a combination of sensors, cameras, and powerful computers to navigate their surroundings. While they hold the potential to significantly reduce human error, accidents involving them are a reality.
These accidents can occur due to technical malfunctions in the AV system, misinterpretations of sensor data, or unexpected situations on the road that the software isn’t programmed to handle.
Without a clear-cut driver at fault, victims face a handful of challenges when they decide to seek compensation. We’ll be discussing these challenges in this article and also outlining some ways truck accident lawyers can help you navigate the situation.
The Obstacles in an Accident Involving Autonomous Trucks
Determining Fault
Unlike regular accidents, where a driver’s negligence is clear, assigning blame in autonomous truck accidents is trickier. There’s no human driver to take responsibility. The fault could lie with any of the following parties:
- Truck Manufacturer: The company that designed and built the truck could be held liable if a defect in the hardware or software is found to be the cause of the accident.
- Software Developer: The responsibility might lie with the developers who created the autonomous driving software if a flaw in the programming led to the crash.
- Trucking Company: The company that owns and maintains the truck could be liable for negligence if they failed to perform proper maintenance or ensure the truck was operating within safe parameters.
- Mapping Company: In some cases, the company responsible for providing the digital maps used by the truck’s navigation system could be held accountable if inaccurate or outdated maps contributed to the accident.
Before you can pinpoint the exact party responsible for the accident, you’d need to invest a considerable amount of time, energy, and resources into the process. This, of course, can be exhausting, especially if this is your first court case.
Burden of Proof
Once you establish the cause of the accident, the fight for compensation begins. However, unlike traditional accidents where the driver’s actions are often a central piece of evidence, proving fault in an autonomous truck crash presents a unique set of challenges.
You’ll need to present evidence that establishes a specific party’s negligence and how it directly caused the accident.
To build a strong case, you typically have to present solid technical evidence, such as black box data, expert opinions from engineers and software specialists, and a detailed analysis of the truck’s operational history. Gathering this kind of evidence can be expensive and time-consuming.
Battling With Insurance Companies
Your current insurance policies may not clearly define what constitutes an “accident” with an autonomous vehicle. This ambiguity can lead to disagreements with insurance companies about what’s covered under your policy and theirs.
Depending on the cause of the accident, some insurance companies might try to argue that factors outside anyone’s control, such as a sudden mechanical failure or faulty road conditions, were to blame. This tactic can significantly limit the compensation you receive for your injuries and damages.
Wrapping Up
There are bound to be challenges during the process of fighting for compensation, but having a competent lawyer by your side can significantly increase the odds in your favor.
An attorney who understands this new technology and its legal complexities can be the best person to represent you and get you the compensation you deserve.